PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal have again done Indian badminton proud, entering the semi-finals of the BWF World Badminton Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. The pair will not face-off against each other in the semis, leaving open the enticing possibility of an all-Indian women’s final in one of the biggest badminton events of the year. The pair reaching the semis has also guaranteed that India will at least come away with bronze from the women’s singles draw of the championships but considering their form, the nation will be hoping for much more.

PV Sindhu again showcased as to why she is regarded as a big tournament player, brushing off the challenge of Chinese sensation Sun Yu in the quarter-finals. It was a dominant performance by the 22-year old and she beat the Chinese in straight games with a final scoreline of 21-14, 21-9 in only 39 minutes. This ensures that she will win a medal again at the World Championships having already won bronze medals in the 2013 and 2014 Championships. She will though hope to improve upon these performances when she meets Chinese Chen Yufei in the semi-finals.

Speaking after her victory, Sindhu told Times of India, “I won in straight games but it wasn’t easy. Each point was important for me. Normally these long matches happen and I was ready. I recovered well and rested well. Even though it was a long match you tend to get used to it. I have played many long matches in big tournaments.”

Saina Nehwal too joined her in the semis, beating Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland in a hard fought encounter. She won with a final score of 21-19, 19-21, 21-15 and will now meet Japan’s World No.12 Nozumi Okuhura. It will be a tough match for Saina as the Japanese will be full of confidence after beating defending champion Carolina Marin 21-18, 14-21, 21-15 in the quarter-finals.